Ex-Chelsea starlet Xavier Mbuyamba has had a defibrillator fitted - after doctors told the 22-year-old he could have a heart attack at any time.
The Blues signed the Dutch defender from Barcelona in 2020, and he played four times for their Under-23 side after a knee operation.
Mbuyamba joined Volendam in 2022, and shone as the newly-promoted minnows survived in Holland's Eredivisie.
He has however made just five appearances this season, and has not figured since January.
The centre-back has now undergone surgery after tests found he had an irregular heartbeat.
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Manchester United star Christian Eriksen was fitted with a defibrillator after collapsing on the pitch during a Denmark game in 2021.
Mbuyamba revealed: "After a long spell of silence I can now say why I have been away.
"During my annual check-up I found out that I had a disturbed heart rhythm. This came as a big surprise, as I hadn't noticed any change in my health.
"After this discovery I had a string of extensive medical tests. This is why I have played so seldom this season.
"The doctors, FC Volendam and I decided that I would have a S-ICD defibrillator implanted as primary prevention.
"The first stage of my rest and recovery is now over, and I have begun training on my own.
"I'll work on making my return for Volendam, and rest assured I'll be back in the team this season.
"How did I feel? Of course I had concerns at first about my health.
"But I always felt this would not pose a problem or hinder my football career. I am a winner, and a fighter!"
Mbuyamba first made his name for his hometown club MVV Maastricht's youth side, attracting attention from Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
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His initial move to Stamford Bridge broke down over Chelsea's then transfer ban, and he joined Barcelona before signing a three-year Blues deal in 2020.
